UK National Lottery gives $22.5 million to tsunami appeal

The UK National Lottery today pledged £12 million towards reconstruction projects in the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster.

The Big Lottery Fund, which distributes lottery cash to good causes, said the money would fund a three-year programme to help rebuild communities and restore local infrastructure.

Sir Clive Booth, the chairman of the fund, said the lottery wanted to respond "quickly and effectively" to public opinion that lottery cash should go to devastated areas.

He said: "Money is not just needed now, but long into the future and lottery players can be confident this funding will continue to play an important role in the reconstruction of these devastated areas for years to come.

"The Big Lottery Fund has a long tradition of funding UK charities doing vital work overseas in the world's most needy areas.

"We are very pleased to be able to add to the significant sums of money donated by the British public and the government that will help the people in regions affected by this terrible disaster to rebuild their lives."

The arts minister, Estelle Morris, said: "This £12m will be used for vital long-term reconstruction projects across the affected areas.

"The fund will be working closely with the charities in receipt of the funding to target this money as effectively as possible. I am sure this will be welcomed by the public."

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